A Descriptive, Multiyear Examination of Positive Behavior Support

Authors

Glen Dunlap, University of South Florida
Edward G. Carr, State University of New York
Robert H. Horner, University of Oregon
Robert L. Koegel, University of California
Wayne Sailor, University of Kansas
Shelley Clarke, University of South FloridaFollow
Lynn Kern Koegel, University of California
Richard W. Albin, University of Oregon
Bobbie J. Vaughn, University of South Florida
Darlene Magito McLaughlin, Positive Behavior Support Consulting
Kim Mullen James, Developmental Disabilities Institute
Anne W. Todd, University of Oregon
J. Stephen Newton, University of Oregon
Joseph Lucyshyn, University of British Columbia
Peter Griggs, University of Kansas
Hank Bohanon, Loyola University of Chicago
Jeong Hoon Choi, University of Kansas
Laurie Vismara, University of California
Mendy Boettcher Minjarez, Stanford University
Pamelazita Buschbacher, University of South Florida
Lise Fox, University of South FloridaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2010

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1177/019874291003500401

Abstract

A major goal of positive behavior support (PBS) is to produce broad-based, long-term improvements in adaptive behavior; however, the empirical base, at present, is mainly composed of relatively short-term studies carried out in circumscribed contexts. Therefore, a need exists for reliable data that can inform the field regarding the comprehensive lifestyle effects of PBS implementation in natural community contexts over extended periods of time. The current investigation was conducted to provide a descriptive analysis of PBS with diverse participants and broad measurement strategies over multiple years. Using extensive data portfolios for 21 participants, we employed rating scales to quantify changes in key variables from baseline through 2 years of intervention. The data revealed variable levels of intervention integrity, generalized reductions in problem behavior with occasional relapses, and encouraging enhancements across six domains of quality of life. This study represents an initial attempt to understand the processes and outcomes of behavioral support by documenting behavioral patterns across full days, entire years, and all environments. We discuss the need to consider new conceptual and methodological frameworks for further study of efficacious and sustainable behavior support.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Behavioral Disorders, v. 35, issue 4, p. 259-279

Scholar Commons Citation

Dunlap, Glen; Carr, Edward G.; Horner, Robert H.; Koegel, Robert L.; Sailor, Wayne; Clarke, Shelley; Koegel, Lynn Kern; Albin, Richard W.; Vaughn, Bobbie J.; McLaughlin, Darlene Magito; James, Kim Mullen; Todd, Anne W.; Newton, J. Stephen; Lucyshyn, Joseph; Griggs, Peter; Bohanon, Hank; Choi, Jeong Hoon; Vismara, Laurie; Minjarez, Mendy Boettcher; Buschbacher, Pamelazita; and Fox, Lise, "A Descriptive, Multiyear Examination of Positive Behavior Support" (2010). Child and Family Studies Faculty Publications. 24.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cfs_facpub/24